Roots of Empathy Programming Expands with $75,000 Investment

The Provincial Government is providing $75,000 to Roots of Empathy to help expand the organization’s programming into more schools throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

“Roots of Empathy is an internationally-recognized program that focuses on building empathy by engaging children in positive social behaviours – like sharing, taking turns, and respecting others,” said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education. “It has been shown to reduce incidents of bullying and aggression when introduced at an early age, and complements the work of parents and educators who strive to instill positive characteristics in our children and make our schools safe and caring learning environments.”

Steve Kent, MHA for Mount Pearl North, was at Holy Trinity Elementary in Torbay today (Monday, February 18) to make the announcement on behalf of Minister Jackman, and to observe a session of the program being delivered to a class of Grade 4 students.

As part of the Roots of Empathy program, a neighbourhood infant and parent visit a classroom to engage students in discussing their feelings and experiences as they get to know the baby over the course of the school year. An instructor guides the children as they observe the relationship between baby and parent, and learn to understand the baby’s intentions and emotions. Through multiple classroom visits, students see how the baby grows and develops over time. Through this model, the baby is the teacher, helping children identify and reflect on their own feelings, and the feelings of others.

Roots of Empathy has 110 programs in 77 schools located in 57 communities throughout the province. By the end of this school year, the programming will have reached more than 13,000 students. Roots of Empathy resources are also being placed in parent resource kits, which will be delivered to new parents throughout the province this spring as part of the province’s early childhood learning strategy, Learning from the Start.

“Roots of Empathy is deeply appreciative of the support that the Newfoundland and Labrador Government has given to bringing the program to many thousands of children,” said Mary Gordon, Founder and President of Roots of Empathy. “We are thrilled that our early childhood resources will be available to families and educators.”

Today’s announcement follows the August, 2012 release of an independent evaluation of the province’s Safe and Caring Schools, by Goss Gilroy Inc., which recommended the province partner with Roots of Empathy to deliver programming. To learn more about Roots of Empathy, visit: www.rootsofempathy.org/. 

Information on Learning From the Start and other Safe and Caring Schools initiatives, can be found at: www.ed.gov.nl.ca/edu/. 

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• Photo: Mount Pearl North MHA Steve Kent was at Holy Trinity Elementary in Torbay on Monday (February 18), on behalf of the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education, to take part in a session of the Roots of Empathy program. The Provincial Government announced it is providing $75,000 to the organization to help expand the program into more schools.

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2013 02 18                          1:30 p.m.